Energizing Idaho

With no oil production and only modest natural gas output, Idaho relies on pipelines from producing states and Canada for its oil and gas supplies. Even so, petroleum is the leading energy source in the state, accounting for 30.5 percent of all energy use. Natural gas use accounts for another 18 percent of total use.

Pipelines bring petroleum products from refineries in Utah and Montana, and some products from refineries on Puget Sound in Washington state are piped to Portland, Ore., then shipped by barge up the Columbia and Snake rivers into Idaho, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Hydroelectric power supplied most of the state’s net electricity generation (56 percent) in 2015, while natural gas accounted for 23.5 percent. Wind is a significant electricity generator in Idaho, with biomass and geothermal making contributions, too.

Idaho illustrates once again the all-of-the-above nature of American energy. The U.S. is the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, and oil and gas anchor the energy needs of the national economy and state economies. At the same time, other energy sources are important contributors in the daily effort to supply Americans with the power and fuels they need.

This concludes our 50 states of energy series – illustrating that energy is essential for virtually every aspect of our daily lives. No matter which state you’re in, safe and responsible energy development is linked to your individual prosperity and liberty, as well as our nation’s security.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Mark also was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela live in Occoquan, Va., where they enjoy their four grandchildren.

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Energy Tomorrow is a project of the American Petroleum Institute – the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry – speaking for the industry to the public, Congress and the Executive Branch, state governments and the media.